Starting a construction business with zero industry experience? Kristy Black did exactly that—and built Black Hydrovac into a critical player in mission-critical infrastructure. But this isn't just a startup story. It's about partnership, risk, resilience, and redefining what it means to support each other in a fast-paced industry.
Kristy spent nearly 20 years in education before COVID shifted everything. When that door closed, she didn't wait for another to open—she kicked her way through. With encouragement from her husband Adam (a data center construction veteran) and mentorship from someone who believed in her vision, Kristy launched Black Hydrovac with two trucks and a willingness to learn an emerging technology from the ground up.
Today, her company protects underground infrastructure on some of the most critical sites in the country—from hyperscale data centers to the White House. And she's doing it while challenging outdated industry norms and building a culture centered on professional development for skilled tradespeople.
Adam and Kristy don't just work in the same industry—they've built their careers side by side, taking turns leading and supporting as life demanded. Their conversation reveals what real partnership looks like when ambition, family, and construction timelines collide.
In this episode, we explore:
How Kristy transitioned from education to construction entrepreneurship during one of the hardest seasons of her life
What HydroVac is, why it's essential in mission-critical construction, and why municipalities still don't understand its value
The mentor who said "I'm going to help you" after a four-and-a-half-hour dinner—and meant it
Why leadership is a learnable skill, and how Kristy and Adam use it to build both businesses and relationships
The male ally perspective: what it actually looks like to support a woman's career without stepping on it
Career growth for women in construction—and why taking a season to step back doesn't mean you're stepping out
The "it's not about you, but it's all on you" leadership principle that transformed how they work
How they balance two demanding careers, raise kids, and still prioritize their relationship
This episode is for anyone navigating career pivots, partnerships, or the challenge of building something bold in a traditional industry. Whether you're an owner, operator, tradesperson, or someone wondering if it's too late to start over—this one's for you.
Connect with our guests:
Adam Black – Senior Vice President of Design and Construction, TA Digital Grouphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinablack/
Kristy Black – Founder & CEO, Black Hydrovachttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-black-ab605538/
This episode is powered by Black Hydrovac, experts in non-destructive digging and utility protection for mission-critical sites. Learn more at blackhydrovac.com.
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Connect with Mara:
https://www.marajadeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/datacenterchic/
Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-0362b816/